In Beijing and beyond, young Chinese like 25-year-old Tufei are turning to AI chatbots for romantic and emotional companionship. Tufei, for example, uses “Glow,” a chatbot app by Shanghai’s MiniMax, for a relationship experience that she finds more understanding than real-life counterparts. This trend is driven by urban isolation and the fast pace of life in China, making it hard for many to find companionship. Users appreciate these AI companions for their adaptability and emotional support, covering a range from virtual boyfriends inspired by ancient Chinese characters to custom-made partners that cater to personal preferences. Despite concerns over privacy and the regulatory environment, the appeal of AI companionship, offering constant availability and personalized interaction, remains strong among users. They find solace in these virtual relationships, even as they recognize the limitations of current technology in mimicking real human interaction.

Summarized by ChatGPT